TRUECAR FORMS SPONSORSHIP ASSOCIATION WITH MAZDA ROAD TO INDY DRIVER SHANNON MCINTOSH 12.01.11
TrueCar Set To Provide Primary Sponsorship For McIntosh In Multi-Year Program
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. – TrueCar, Inc., creators of the intelligent automotive marketplace that benefits both buyers and sellers has announced an extensive, multi-year commitment to support “Mazda Road to Indy” driver Shannon McIntosh in INDYCAR’s USF2000 National Championship Series beginning in 2012.
“TrueCar is built upon the foundation of empowering individuals with the tools and resources they need to become expert car buyers,” said TrueCar Founder and CEO Scott Painter. “The “Women Empowered” initiative is an exciting extension of that philosophy – empowering women in racing by giving talented female drivers everything they need to dominate their sport.”
TrueCar Racing is leveraging their self-made “Women Empowered” initiative as an extension of the company’s efforts to help women enjoy the best possible car buying experience. With over 80% of car buying decisions influenced by women – and 50% of all car purchases made by women – this impactful audience is a significant part of the automotive retail landscape which will be marketing through associations like the one with McIntosh.
McIntosh, 22, began her racing career at age 5, and has amassed over 100 combined victories through Quarter Midgets and USAC midgets under the guidance of the likes of Bob East. In 2011, the Miamisburg, OH native made the transition to formula cars through the USF2000 National Championship Series where she captured a best result of fifth place in the inaugural Grand Prix of Baltimore.
Beginning in 2012, TrueCar will support McIntosh, a finalist in SEVENTEEN magazine’s “Pretty Amazing” cover contest, in her quest to one day compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and attempt to qualify for the famed Indianapolis 500. McIntosh must first complete a three-step developmental ladder system, designed to bring up-and-coming drivers to the forefront of American open-wheel racing. She’ll compete in 2012 in the USF2000 National Championship Series with backing from TrueCar.
“I’m truly honored to be apart of the TrueCar racing initiative,” said McIntosh, who is a finalist for the Must-Follow Athlete on Social Media through Mashable.com. “Coming from a very modest background with many years of struggle, I’m humbled at this opportunity. I celebrate this new partnership with my family whom has sacrificed so much over the years and also thank my management at BRANDed and advisors for believing in me and helping me get to this point in my career. Thank you to Scott Painter, Charles Kim, and the entire TrueCar family for believing in me and giving me this platform to empower others to live by NinTai.”
Together with TrueCar, McIntosh and her management at BRANDed are working to finalize and announce the team component of this program in the near future.
For more information, please visit www.TrueCar.com.
About TrueCar: TrueCar, Inc. has changed how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience -- helping qualified dealer partners gain incremental market share and reduce costs. As a transparent, visual publisher of new car transaction data, TrueCar.com price reports help both dealers and consumers agree on the parameters of a fair deal by providing an accurate, comprehensive and simple understanding of what others actually paid for the identically equipped new car over the last 30 days both locally and nationally.TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco and Austin. The company was founded in 2005 and has been profitable since 2009. With 131% annual growth since 2006, TrueCar has driven over 400,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information. You can follow TrueCar on Twitter and become a fan of TrueCar on Facebook. For more information, please visit www.TrueCar.com.
McIntosh advances to Mashable finals in Must-Follow Athlete on Social Media category 11.22.11
Racecar Driver Shannon McIntosh Among Finalists For Prestigious Mashable Award Alongside Rafael Nadal, Others
PALO ALTO, CALIF. – Mashable, an American news site and Internet news blog with over 50 million monthly page views, announced today the seven finalists in the “Must-Follow Athlete on Social Media” category as part of the fifth annual Mashable Awards presented by Buddy Media. Shannon McIntosh, a 22-year-old racecar driver in INDYCAR’s “Mazda Road to Indy” developmental ladder system, is among the cast of professional athlete finalists.
“I’m so excited to have made it to the finals in the Mashable Awards contest,” said McIntosh, fresh off an appearance at the LA Autoshow on behalf of Mazda North America. “Being the only racecar driver in the finals, I’m truly honored and know the racing community will rally to help us win this award to represent the entire motorsports industry.”
Mashable editors announced McIntosh along with a cast of professional athletes that included: professional tennis player Rafael Nadal, Olympic figure skater Yuni Kim, professional wrestlers CM Punk, Zack Ryder, and John Cena, and figure skater Johnny Weir.
For roughly a month, Mashable readers have been submitting hundreds of thousands of votes recognizing the companies, people and projects in 28 different categories that made the biggest impact on the digital landscape this past year, covering four of Mashable‘s core content areas: Social Media, Tech, Business and Entertainment.
McIntosh is a finalist in the “Must-Follow Athlete on Social Media” category as demonstrating a best practice for her uses of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or other mainstream social networking sites.
Of the seven finalists in her category, McIntosh is the only distinguished member of WhoSay.com, the invite-only content platform of nearly 900 taste-making public figures that includes Tom Hanks, Anderson Cooper, Chelsea Handler, Eva Longoria and Cristiano Ronaldo, amongst many other A-List names.
To vote for McIntosh through Dec. 16, in the “Must-Follow Athlete in Social Media” category, please visit: Mashable Awards 2011.
Mashable winners will be announced on Mashable.com on Dec. 19, and will be honored at MashBash CES on Jan. 11, 2012, during the 2012 International CES convention at 1OAK, the hot new nightclub at the Mirage hotel in Las Vegas.
Seventeen Magazine Names Shannon McIntosh A Finalist In Real Girl Cover Contest; Will Be Featured on MTV’s “The Seven” Tuesday5.31.11
35,000 Teens & Young Women Entered – Only Five Will Get A Fantasy Makeover and Professional Photo Shoot in NYC
NEW YORK – Seventeen, the iconic fashion and beauty magazine for 13 million teen girls, today announced that race car driver Shannon McIntosh of Miamisburg, OH is one of five finalists in the magazine’s "Pretty Amazing" real girl cover contest. McIntosh, 21, and four other finalists will travel to Seventeen’s headquarters in New York City this summer for a makeover, photo shoot, and a party with celebrity Miranda Cosgrove. They are all competing to be on a cover of Seventeen’s October issue and a $10,000 scholarship from Neutrogena®. McIntosh will be featured along with the four other finalists on MTV’s “The Seven” on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 5 p.m. EDT.
“This is surreal,” said McIntosh. “I can't thank Seventeen Magazine, editor Ann Shoket and Neutrogena enough for giving me this amazing opportunity! The fact that I am one of five out of the 35,000 entires blows my mind. This will be a great outlet to share my story about why and how you can do anything you put your mind to with hard work and dedication! Just like in racing, I’m in this to win.”
Seventeen editors were flooded with more than 35,000 entries from girls across the country, all hoping for the chance to be a Seventeen cover girl following the likes of Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez. The contest, sponsored by Neutrogena®, was a call to action asking girls: Are you passionate, creative or mega-talented? Do you see change that needs to be made in the world and know that you have the power to make that change? Have you done something awesome that you want everyone to know about?
Shannon McIntosh’s entry stood out from the tens of thousands of entries received. With over 100 race wins in a male-dominated sport, Shannon won’t take her foot off the gas until she becomes the first female to win the Indy 500. She has been racing cars since the age of five with her family and now competes in the INDYCAR USF2000 Series while working her way up to compete in the Indy 500. She is the only female driver in her series and she is the only American female who is trying to climb this ladder.
In June, the five "Pretty Amazing" finalists will travel to New York City to meet with contest judges Ann Shoket, Seventeen Editor-in-Chief, actress, recording artist and Neutrogena® Brand Ambassador Miranda Cosgrove and Just Jared’s Jared Eng. They will receive makeovers at a top salon, participate in the cover photo shoot and attend a luncheon with Miranda Cosgrove.
In addition to appearing on an October 2011 Seventeen cover, Neutrogena® will award the winner a $10,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to New York City.
Similar to Shannon McIntosh, the other "Pretty Amazing" finalists all have amazing personal stories to tell and have major accomplishments under their belt. These other Pretty Amazing finalists are:
- 1) Nina Montgomery - 19 - Ridgewood, NJ
- 2) Ann He – 16 – Dallas, TX
- 3) Zoe Damacela - 19 - Chicago, IL
- 4) Lauren Lindberg - 17 - Danville, CA
More information about each of the finalists (including videos) can be viewed at Seventeen.com/PrettyAmazing. The finalists are also each launching their own social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to get others to vote for them to be winners.
About Seventeen
Seventeen (www.seventeen.com) is the best-selling monthly teen magazine, reaching more than 13 million readers every month. In each issue, Seventeen reports on the latest in fashion, beauty, health and entertainment, as well as information and advice on the complex real-life issues that young women face every day. Readers can interact with the brand on the digital front, with the Seventeen Ultimate Fashion Flipbook iphone app as well as with the monthly edition of the magazine on the iPad. In addition to its U.S. flagship, Seventeen publishes 13 editions around the world. Seventeen is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines, with nearly 200 editions around the world, including 20 U.S. titles. Hearst Magazines is a leading publisher of monthly magazines in the U.S. in terms of total circulation and reaches 88 million adults (Spring 2010 MRI).
About Neutrogena
A worldwide leader in premium, dermatologist-recommended skin, hair and cosmetics products, Neutrogena® Corporation has been providing consumers with health and beauty improvements for over 40 years. The Company manufactures and markets a line of premium-priced skin and hair care products that are distributed in more than 70 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Neutrogena® is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the world's most comprehensive and broadly based health care products company.
About Just Jared
Just Jared is a multi-media entertainment group that includes JustJared.com and teen spin-off JustJaredJr.com, providing premium pop culture trends, extensive celebrity photo galleries and breaking entertainment news. An established internet presence since 2005, Just Jared, Inc. has grown rapidly due to the fresh perspective it brings to the often harsh world of celebrity news. Over the years it has built a team of smart, savvy contributors dedicated to delivering the latest pop culture 24/7. Today, JustJared.com and JustJared.com receive over 14 million unique visitors a month from a dedicated core of loyal readers.
McIntosh to make first street race appearance3.23.11
St. Petersburg Resident Shannon McIntosh Will Compete For Cape Motorsports With Wayne Taylor Racing This Weekend
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – USF2000 rookie driver Shannon McIntosh won’t have to go far to make her first attempt in a street race where she is set to compete in downtown St. Petersburg just blocks from her residence. McIntosh made her first start for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing just last week at Sebring International Raceway in her first ever road course race event in her No. 2 Mazda. She returns this weekend to the cockpit of her No. 2 Mazda for rounds three and four of the 2011 USF2000 season.
“For St. Pete this weekend, I need to keep the car clean and out of trouble,” said McIntosh. “I want to learn the track quickly seeing as we only have two twenty minute sessions before qualifying (all on the same day). I plan to focus on concentration and patience as well as pushing the limit of the car and really continuing to learn how I can be in control of the car. As much as I struggle with this (being a front runner my entire career), my focus won't be so much on where I finish this weekend but more on the improvements each time I go out on the track.”
McIntosh was the only driver in the field of men in the USF2000 opener at Sebring that had not competed in a road course event prior to the season-opener. The 5’1 racer entered the “Mazda Road to Indy” program after a 16-year background racing strictly on ovals, most recently in the USAC Midget regional series under the guidance of legendary team owner Bob East, where she captured four top-10 finishes, including two podium and three top-five results.
While her learning curve was far from trifling at Sebring, McIntosh managed to pick up at least a second in each of her outings during practice, qualifications and ultimately the two race events in support of the 59th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
“My first two races at Sebring were huge simply for seat time,” said McIntosh. “I learned a ton about the dynamics of how open wheel formula cars work, and how to drive them on the limit; by driving under and over the limit! I also was able to make use and get more comfortable with the aerodynamics and I improved significantly in my braking and shifting techniques. Understanding the racecar and how it works is essential before expecting to be a contender and I feel that this week I'll be able to put my gained confidence to the track at St. Pete and keep knocking down the learning curve I have coming from a strictly oval-racing background.”
The Miamisburg, Ohio native, McIntosh and her team are both based in St. Petersburg and the opportunity to race in front of their home crowd in their backyard is very exciting for everyone involved.
“On Sunday morning, I actually got asked to leave the course while running it,” continued McIntosh. “I have been running on the course as often as I can lately; I actually live only two streets over from it. I've been trying to gain some visuals and ideas of how I'm going to drive it. It's amazing the amount of elevation change and crests that a street course has. Although there is still quite a bit of construction going on, I think that being able to see the corners and details in the street 'at my leisure' will come in handy when we get on track the first time this weekend.”
Glass Hammer Racing (www.beatbyagirl.org) and the book Indy 500: An American Icon have teamed to support McIntosh’s No. 2 USF2000 Mazda entry for 2011 in addition to Arai Helmets.
Sanctioned by INDYCAR, the USF2000 National Championship, presented by Cooper Racing Tires and powered by Mazda, is one of three series part of both INDYCAR’s “Mazda Road to Indy” ladder system and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver program.
For more information, please visit www.CapeMotorsports.com or www.USF2000.com.
McIntosh to be sole female driver in USF2000 opener at Sebring 3.15.11
Rookie Shannon McIntosh To Open 2011 Season for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing at Sebring International Raceway
SEBRING, FL – Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing driver Shannon McIntosh will compete in her first USF2000 race event at Sebring International Raceway Thursday in her No. 2 Mazda and is scheduled to be the sole female driver among the field of male competitors.
"I’m very anxious about the first race and can't even believe it has crept up on us so quickly,” said McIntosh. “It's surreal to me that I am entering my first full race season since 2006 and have to thank my incredible partners, Glass Hammer Racing and Dale Pelfrey for coming on board to support my efforts. After spending time at the track with Dominic [Cape], Nicholas [Cape] and Will [Paul], I couldn't be more comfortable and confident that I'll have the tools and equipment necessary to make my first season competing on road and street courses a great success. I expect that this year will consist of a lot of hard work, persistence, teamwork and patience as I try to get up to speed as quickly as possible in a completely different type of racing than what I'm used to. I am more than excited and can't wait to get on track!"
The 21-year-old McIntosh, who in 2010 competed in the USAC Midget regional series under the guidance of Bob East with four top-10 finishes, signed on to compete in the 2011 USF2000 National Championship season earlier this year for one of the most successful teams at that level, Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing.
The Cape brothers, Dominic and Nicholas, have won five championships, three rookie-of-the-year honors and amassed 54 wins and 68 pole positions in the USF2000, IMSA Lites and Cooper Series. The Capes have worked with many drivers including NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, open-wheel standout JR Hildebrand and 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona class winner Andy Lally.
McIntosh looks to leverage the guidance and support the Cape brothers bring to the table, as the team placed second in the 2010 USF2000 National Championship Series points’ battle, capturing six podium finishes and two race-wins.
"After a strenuous testing schedule, we at Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing feel very confident going into the 2011 season,” said Dominic Cape. “We have a great driver line-up with Shannon, Petri and Vincent, and we expect good results at Sebring and throughout the season."
Since announcing she would contest the entire 2011 USF2000 schedule, McIntosh has been on a rigorous testing schedule with fellow teammates Finland native Petri Suvanto and Frenchman Vincent Beltoise.
Remarkably, McIntosh has 16 years of racing experience under her belt, bringing a wealth of oval track knowledge unlike most drivers entering the series with little to no oval experience.
Recognized by Indianapolis Woman magazine as INDYCAR’s next female racing star, in a nine-page spread in the thick of IZOD IndyCar Series regulars like Danica Patrick, McIntosh looks down her own path and ambition of becoming the first female to win the legendary Indianapolis 500.
Racing since age, 5, McIntosh was undefeated at the Miami Valley Quarter Midget Club in her first season, 1995, and went on to win the Central States Quarter Midget Championship in 1998. McIntosh graduated into 270cc Micro Sprints in 2001 and into Ford Focus Midgets in 2005. She finished fifth in the 2006 USAC Ford Focus Midget Series, claiming five heat race wins and 15 top-10 finishes while also being named Dayton Auto Race Fans’ "Asphalt Driver of the Year."
Glass Hammer Racing (www.beatbyagirl.org) and the book Indy 500: An American Icon have teamed to support McIntosh’s No. 2 USF2000 Mazda entry for 2011 in addition to Arai Helmets.
Sanctioned by INDYCAR, the USF2000 National Championship, presented by Cooper Racing Tires and powered by Mazda, is one of three series part of both INDYCAR’s “Mazda Road to Indy” ladder system and the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver program.
For more information, please visit www.CapeMotorsports.com or www.USF2000.com.
Shannon McIntosh to Compete for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing in USF2000 2.15.11
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 15, 2011) – Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing announced today it has signed 21-year-old USAC product Shannon McIntosh to drive in the 2011 Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda. McIntosh will pilot the No. 2 Mazda for the 12 USF2000 race events.
“We are excited to have Shannon join the team,” team principle Dominic Cape said. “We knew when we tested with her she had the skills, maturity and passion to compete for the championship. We are looking forward to a great season and positive results from Shannon.”
McIntosh, a Miamisburg, OH native, tested with a host of teams including Juncos Racing and JDC Motorsports before deciding on Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. The Cape brothers, Dominic and Nicholas, have won five championships, three rookie-of-the-year honors and amassed 54 wins and 68 pole positions in the USF2000, IMSA Lites and Cooper Series. The Capes have worked with many drivers including NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, open-wheel standout JR Hildebrand and 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona class winner Andy Lally.
They have also fielded a team every year since the series’ inception in the early 1990’s, placing second in the 2010 USF2000 National Championship Series points’ battle, capturing six podium finishes and two race-wins. McIntosh will team with Finland native Petri Suvanto who was announced to the team just last week.
With more than 100 race wins over the course of her 16-year racing career, St. Petersburg, FL-based McIntosh competed in the USAC Midget regional series in 2010 under the guidance of Bob East, capturing four top-10 finishes, which included two podium and three top-five results.
“I’m so honored to have the opportunity that Dominic Cape and Wayne Taylor are giving me,” said McIntosh. “We put a lot of thought into running either USF2000 or Star Mazda in 2011, and we felt I would benefit greatly from progressing through the entire Mazda Road to Indy program from the first step. I have to thank all of my partners, investors and especially the fans for all the support I have been given over the course of my career. I look forward to the road ahead.”
As a five-year-old, the brunette McIntosh began her quest to one day compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and attempt to qualify for the famed Indianapolis 500. McIntosh must first complete a three-step developmental ladder system, designed to bring up-and-coming drivers to the forefront of American open-wheel racing. She’ll make her debut in the ‘Mazda Road to Indy’ program in 2011, which also includes the Star Mazda Championship and Firestone Indy Lights, as part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver program.
In preparation for the USF2000 season-opener on March 17 at Sebring International Raceway, McIntosh and Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing will continue a rigorous off-season testing platform. The schedule continues with 11 additional race-events held in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series, American Le Mans and USAC.
Glass Hammer Racing (www.beatbyagirl.org) and the book Indy 500: An American Icon have teamed to support McIntosh’s No. 2 USF2000 Mazda entry for 2011 in addition to Arai Helmets.
For more information, please visit www.ShannonMcIntosh.com, www.CapeMotorsports.com, or www.USF2000.com.
About Shannon McIntosh
Shannon McIntosh is a 21-year-old autoracing driver who competes in INDYCAR’s ‘Mazda Road to Indy’ USF2000 National Championship Series for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. McIntosh began her racing career at age 5, and has amassed over 100 combined victories through Quarter Midgets and USAC Midgets. She was the highest-ranking female on pavement in the Midwest in 2006. Was named “DARF Asphalt Driver of the Year” in the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series. Some of McIntosh’s other accolades include being awarded the coveted Kara Hendrick Memorial Scholarship while attending the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program as well as being named a recipient of the 2010 Pitfit scholarship. For more information, please, www.ShannonMcIntosh.com, www.twitter.com/shannon_mac, or www.facebook.com/shannmcintosh.
About Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing
Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing was formed in 2010 as a partnership between two successful racing entities. With leadership from brothers Nicholas and Dominic Cape, and along with Wayne Taylor and his organization in Indianapolis, the team campaigns cars in the Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda. The Cape Brothers have recorded multiple USF2000 championships and have fielded a team every year since the series’ inception in the early 1990’s.
About USF2000 National Championship
Many top drivers in the IZOD IndyCar Series and endurance sports car racing honed their skills in F2000. The Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda is an important training ground for rising stars. Debuting in 2010, it is the revival of the very popular USF2000 series of 1990 through 2006. Sanctioned by the Indy Racing League, it is the first step on its Mazda Road to Indy ladder system, preceding Star Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights. It is also part of the prestigious MAZDASPEED Motorsports driver development program. The top driver in the series’ Championship class earns a scholarship package from Mazda valued at $350,000 to help him or her advance to Star Mazda the following season. USF2000 races are contested on road courses, street courses and ovals in order to give the series’ drivers experience on all the different types of tracks they will face as they proceed up the ladder. For more information, please visit www.USF2000.com.
About Mazda Road to Indy
The Mazda Road to Indy is INDYCAR's official developmental system consisting of the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda. Launched in December 2009, it is a defined path for career-minded race drivers who want to compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500. For more information, please visit www.IndyCar.com.
Shannon partners with Pop Off Valve-for a Driver Diary blog series. 9.29.10
Driver Diaries #1 and #2 have debuted and will continue routinely on Thursdays.
Driver Diary #1 - Shannon McIntosh: Living the dream on the Road to Indy
Driver Diary #2 - Shannon McIntosh: Peaks, valleys and everything in between
Shannon recaps March-August 2010 in her latest newsletter! 9.17.10
From moving to Indianapolis, to experiencing her first "Month of May". Shannon summarizes her very eventful season after securing a partnership with Glass Hammer Racing, driving for Bob East in USAC Midgets and finishing in the top ten in all four of her first USAC Midget races including two podiums! Click here to get the run-down!
Shannon's team wins Fun At Fastimes! 3.15.10
USAC Triple Crown driving champion Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. anchored the winning team in Saturday’s 13th Annual “Fun at Fastimes” three-hour karting enduro in Indianapolis, Ind, saluting the life of the late Crocky Wright and benefiting the USAC Benevolent Foundation.
Coons and co-captain Shannon McIntosh scored a narrow 7.3-second victory in the event at the two-story indoor karting facility. Winning team members also included 2009 USAC Kenyon Midget Champion Dillon Welch and recent USAC/SMRS Fort Worth, Tex. feature winner Danny Stratton, plus Chris Wilner, Nick Bushmann. Tim Kreech and Andrew Thather. The first and second-place teams completed 380 laps each.
Books chronicling the first 50-years of USAC and team championship medals were presented to members of the winning team, along with gift certificates from the Pit Stop Barbeque and Grill in Brownsburg, Ind., USAC hats and Winner’s Circle tee-shirts.
Runners-up included team co-captains Cole Carter and Tyler Cottongim, plus Eric Cottongim, Tom Knight, A.J. Hopkins, Joe Liguori, Kris Wheeler and Jimmy Simpson.
Co-sponsored by the Tony Stewart Foundation, Hoosier Racing Tires and Mechanix Wear, the event featured 10 teams of drivers, with each team required to make a minimum of 10 pit stops. USAC race drivers participating, in addition to those already mentioned, were Justin Marvel, Caleb Armstrong, Billy Wease, Donnie Adams, Jon Stanbrough, Kyle Hamilton, Stephanie Mockler, J.T. Stapp, Rex Norris III, Aaron Pierce, Kris Deckard, John Heydenreich, Mike Fedorcak, Geoff Kaiser, Chase Barber and Patrick Bruns. Norris posted the fastest lap of the race.
The event was held in honor of the late Crocky Wright, who participated in the sport for nearly three-quarters of a century and authored many significant historical books, including a six-volume history of East Coast Midget racing. Wright passed away in December at age 90.
McIntosh to Practice Turning Right and Left, Optimistic about 2010 Season! 2.4.10
Woman of pressdog.com Shannon McIntosh is off to Florida this week where she’ll practice turning right and left and continue to be optimistic on her prospects for 2010.
Click here for rest of article
Off-Season Activities Keeping Shannon Busy in Preparation for Big 2010 Season
By Tyler Munn
9.16.09
There wasn’t much time for Shannon to reflect on her solid 2009 on-track campaign after the engines fell silent at Columbus Motor Speedway on Sept. 19. Just one week after turning her final laps of the year, Shannon shifted gears to an off-season jam-packed with charity events, meetings, media interviews and even valuable seat-time in a USAC National Midget.
Following a trip to Atlanta for a charity Go-Kart event (not only did Shannon and teammates Memo Gidley, Andy Lally and David Murray raise some serious money for a good cause, they brought home the victory as well!), McIntosh headed to Anderson Speedway in Indianapolis for her first test in a USAC National Midget with ARCA/Penske development team Cunningham Motorsports’ Cunningham Juniors. Shannon quickly showed that she is as sharp on the track as she is off the track and is currently working with the team to put together a USAC National Midget program for the 2010 season.
Making appearances at both the IndyCar Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the NASCAR Banking 500 in Charlotte in the weeks following the test, Shannon also attended the Jeff Gordon Foundation’s 10th Anniversary ”A Decade of Caring” Event and the annual Riley Children’s Hospital luncheon in Indianapolis. This week, Shannon spent time in Indianapolis for the Ahead of the Game Seminar with U/S Sports Advisors as well as The International Motorsports Industry Show.
“I feel so fortunate to have been able to be a part of so many exciting events this year! I have not only learned a lot but met many dynamic people who have climbed on board to help excel my career. We are extremely anxious for 2010 and are currently seeking Marketing Partners to propel the adventure.
I couldn’t have done it without the support of God, My family, Aamco-Miamisburg, Alcor Supply, Bruce Harmon, Bullwinkles, Marc Rector, Dale Pelfrey, Darrell Wilson, Diana Nichols,Grandma Dawn and Grandpa Bob, Jim Clemmer, Linda Conti, Lyn St. James, Mike Giannamore , Rita Harrison, Ron’s Pizza, and everyone who has supported me throughout my career. THANK YOU!”
Be sure to check back frequently for Shannon’s interview on 3-Wide Life!
Back on track! 9.16.09
Shannon to race at the USAC Ford Focus Nationals at Columbus Motor Speedway Saturday Sept. 19.
Columbus Motor Speedway
USAC Ford Focus Nationals
Back on the Dirt! 8.14.09
On Friday August 14th, she made a return appearance to the dirt! For the first time, Shannon raced the USAC Ford Focus Midget on dirt at Gas City Speedway in Gas City, Indiana. Shannon finished a solid 4th place in the 15-lap feature while moving in on 3rd place
Words from Shannon:
“I was actually rather disappointed with the 4th place finish because we were capable of more. After starting 5th, falling back to 6th, then finding a good line on the track...we were quickly moving forward. We simply ran out of laps...given the fact that USAC cut our feature race back from 30 laps to only 15.
On the bright side, we brought home another "top 5" finish and the car home in one piece!
A special thanks goes out to Marc Rector, James Robertson, and John Wright for making this race possible.
I can't thank my dad enough for all of his hard work. He is the backbone of my racing career and I owe everything to him. We had fun on the ride home from the races and talked a lot about the famed Chili Bowl and may race it in January.
Although we haven't been racing as much as we hoped, I'm thankful that we've been able to get back in the seat and have good finishes. I'm looking forward to our next race at Columbus Motor Speedway on September 19th!”
Shannon takes home a strong third in her first race back since 2006!! 7.20.09
Shannon made her return debut to the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series this past Friday, July 17 at Kil-Kare Raceway in Xenia, Ohio. Since her rookie season in Focus Midgets (2006), Shannon has only raced 4 Dirt Super Late Model Races (in Aug, 2008) due to lack of funding.
After lots of hard work preparing the Focus Midget to be back on the track after sitting for two years, Shannon qualified third quick on the 3/8 mile track where average speeds were 99mph. Due to incoming bad weather, a decision was made to skip qualifying races and go straight to the feature race. Unfortunately, the SMM midget was 13lbs under weight after qualifications which forced them to start the feature race on the tail.
Shannon made an impressive run from the back to 3rd place in the 30-lap feature, passing the most cars of the night.
Words from Shannon:
"I'm very pleased with this result as it has been 2.5 years since I've raced the Midget. To get back in the car and not feel too rusty amongst drivers who have been competing weekly, pass the most cars and grab a podium finish feels great!
I would like to thank Aamco Transmissions-Miamisburg, Batteries For Everything, and Bullwinkles Top Hat Bistro, for coming on board to make this race possible for us!
Also, a special thanks to God for giving me the strength to continue pursuing my dreams, my eternally supportive family, and all of my fans and friends who support me in what I do."
Gentlemen (and Lady) start your engines! 6.17.09
Friday, July 17th, 2009 – Come watch as Shannon heads for the USAC finish line on “Open Wheel Friday” at Kil-Kare Raceway. Gates open at 6:00. Adults $15 / Kids 12-15 $5 – Kids 11 & under FREE!
McIntosh Reaching for Ultimate Dream By Jim Dabbelt 3.01.09
People are starting to notice McIntosh. She was invited to attend the Lynn St. James Driver Development Program, an elite program directed by the former Indianapolis 500 driver. But for McIntosh and nearly every other racer trying to make it, things have gotten a lot worse with today's times. “The way the economy is, I am kind of nervous about it,” she said, knowing that gas prices are hampering drivers. “Everybody is struggling with the gas prices and everything. In the next few years, it is going to be tough.” For McIntosh, she hopes for a great summer of racing at area tracks, and still has her dream of suiting it up in the NASCAR circuit in the very near future.
A new year, a new season! 1.07.09
Hello everyone! Happy New Year! I've been working on things for 09 but it has been fairly slow lately and unfortunately, still nothing is set in stone for the year yet. If nothing else, I believe we may try to get back going in the Ford Focus Midget, at least for a few races. I may develop a fan based sponsorship program like I had mentioned previously. If you have any suggestions or ideas, I'd love to hear from you... E-mail me at ShannonMmotorsports@yahoo.com
I hope to update you soon with some good news.
Until then, be safe, happy, and live for today!
:)
Shannon
Looking Forward to the 2009 Race Season! 12.29.08
I started to write an “official press release” in third person but decided it would be much easier and better to write it first person and to bring everyone up to speed on 2008 and preview 09 a bit.
Anyone who knows me, knows that 2007 and 2008 have NOT been filled with anywhere near the amount of racing I hoped for. After a successful rookie season in the Ford Focus Midget Series in ‘06, I planned to really make my mark in ‘07 and continue pursuing my dreams, achieving my goals and feeding my hunger. The only way this would be possible though is if I accumulated the funds or found a ride because my family simply couldn‘t support the race program anymore.